Fitting teardrop mirrors
Fitting teardrop mirrors
09-24-2002 | 06:15 PM
#2
Super Guru
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,819
Likes: 3
From: California
[quote]Originally posted by Phil Raby:
<strong>Can someone please advise the best way to connect the wiring for late-style teardrop mirrors when fitting to an early 964?
Cheers</strong><hr></blockquote>
Funny you should ask as I was going to post the following later tonight anyway.
I’ve just fitted my set of aero mirrors. This would not have happened had it not been for the help of Jeff Curtis.
As I couldn’t find on our 964 board a comprehensive thread on the (fairly common) task of what someone encountered in replacing the flag mirrors with the aero mirrors I thought I’d put one together, reusing stuff Jeff sent me and posted on the 911 board. So with full acknowledgement to Mr. Curtis here is what I found.
Removal
Pretty easy – there is a nut at 12 o’clock on top of the mirror – use an allen key to remove. Just remember which way you turned to remove – it’ll save you time when you come to replace!
The two bases are not the same shape – the covered area is pretty much the same but the shape is different and you will have to do some cleaning and buffing.
Wiring
Firstly I disconnected my battery – overkill perhaps but I am so darn useless when it comes to this kind of stuff that I’d rather be safe than sorry!
Please note (a) the following assumes you have a pair of Porsche aero mirrors and not some third party supplier (b) I’m describing what I found, we all know that our friends in Stuttgart like making changes – if what you find is different, stop and figure out how to proceed.
Anyhow my flag mirrors had a black covered wire going into the mirror. I cut that; peeled back the black vinyl and found 5 wires. This wire coming from the car has the following... a greeny-grey colored one, black, blue&black, brown, white&red. Oh you might want to cram a rag down the hole to stop the lead from falling down back into the door.
Stop there and feel how darn heavy the flag mirror is. The aero mirror is considerably lighter.
The base of my mirror revealed no wires at all. What there was was a red 6 pin plug with a white surround:
I panicked, and pestered Jeff before stumbling on the solution. Using a long nosed pair of pliers I unscrewed the plug (takes a couple of turns) and then pulled (gently) it out. That reveals a host of wires going into the plug. Cutting off the plug leaves you with six wires colored red, white, blue, black, brown, brown.
Jeff then supplied the answer to the “how do I connect these 6 wires into these 5 question”. For starters, "twist" the red and white wires from the aero mirror together and connect to your white&red wire from car. Also, connect the grey-greeny colored wire to one of the brown wires on the mirror, and of course, your brown wire from your car to the other brown...these are the defrost leads. Then black goes to black and the blue&black one goes to blue.
Again, this is what worked in my car – if your car has different colors then proceed with caution. This is the picture Jeff sent me
Oh, just make sure that you remember that these wires have to pass through the black rubber fiddly seal thing that goes between the car and the base.
I then reconnected my battery, tried mirror 1, found it worked, did a lap of honor around my garage and then repeated the process with mirror 2.
I gotta say that, even though I knew these aero mirrors looked good on other folks cars I was still surprised by just how much of a difference they make to the appearance of my car.
Total time - keep in mind I bought my aero mirrors pre-assembled and in the right color and once I figured out what I was going to do - was about 1 hour.
Finally – THANK YOU JEFF.
<strong>Can someone please advise the best way to connect the wiring for late-style teardrop mirrors when fitting to an early 964?
Cheers</strong><hr></blockquote>
Funny you should ask as I was going to post the following later tonight anyway.
I’ve just fitted my set of aero mirrors. This would not have happened had it not been for the help of Jeff Curtis.
As I couldn’t find on our 964 board a comprehensive thread on the (fairly common) task of what someone encountered in replacing the flag mirrors with the aero mirrors I thought I’d put one together, reusing stuff Jeff sent me and posted on the 911 board. So with full acknowledgement to Mr. Curtis here is what I found.
Removal
Pretty easy – there is a nut at 12 o’clock on top of the mirror – use an allen key to remove. Just remember which way you turned to remove – it’ll save you time when you come to replace!
The two bases are not the same shape – the covered area is pretty much the same but the shape is different and you will have to do some cleaning and buffing.
Wiring
Firstly I disconnected my battery – overkill perhaps but I am so darn useless when it comes to this kind of stuff that I’d rather be safe than sorry!
Please note (a) the following assumes you have a pair of Porsche aero mirrors and not some third party supplier (b) I’m describing what I found, we all know that our friends in Stuttgart like making changes – if what you find is different, stop and figure out how to proceed.
Anyhow my flag mirrors had a black covered wire going into the mirror. I cut that; peeled back the black vinyl and found 5 wires. This wire coming from the car has the following... a greeny-grey colored one, black, blue&black, brown, white&red. Oh you might want to cram a rag down the hole to stop the lead from falling down back into the door.
Stop there and feel how darn heavy the flag mirror is. The aero mirror is considerably lighter.
The base of my mirror revealed no wires at all. What there was was a red 6 pin plug with a white surround:
I panicked, and pestered Jeff before stumbling on the solution. Using a long nosed pair of pliers I unscrewed the plug (takes a couple of turns) and then pulled (gently) it out. That reveals a host of wires going into the plug. Cutting off the plug leaves you with six wires colored red, white, blue, black, brown, brown.
Jeff then supplied the answer to the “how do I connect these 6 wires into these 5 question”. For starters, "twist" the red and white wires from the aero mirror together and connect to your white&red wire from car. Also, connect the grey-greeny colored wire to one of the brown wires on the mirror, and of course, your brown wire from your car to the other brown...these are the defrost leads. Then black goes to black and the blue&black one goes to blue.
Again, this is what worked in my car – if your car has different colors then proceed with caution. This is the picture Jeff sent me
Oh, just make sure that you remember that these wires have to pass through the black rubber fiddly seal thing that goes between the car and the base.
I then reconnected my battery, tried mirror 1, found it worked, did a lap of honor around my garage and then repeated the process with mirror 2.
I gotta say that, even though I knew these aero mirrors looked good on other folks cars I was still surprised by just how much of a difference they make to the appearance of my car.
Total time - keep in mind I bought my aero mirrors pre-assembled and in the right color and once I figured out what I was going to do - was about 1 hour.
Finally – THANK YOU JEFF.
09-24-2002 | 07:11 PM
#3
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
From: belgium
Hi Ruairidh,
Out of curiosity, you bought Porsche original mirrors right ? Can you buy the mirrors pre-painted in any Porsche color available ? What did you paid for them ?
Second question, do the replicas come with 12 wires or am I wrong ? What about their wiring up ?
Third is it true that you can see the mark on the body where the flags were, even with buffing and polishing ?
Thanks,
WSP964
Out of curiosity, you bought Porsche original mirrors right ? Can you buy the mirrors pre-painted in any Porsche color available ? What did you paid for them ?
Second question, do the replicas come with 12 wires or am I wrong ? What about their wiring up ?
Third is it true that you can see the mark on the body where the flags were, even with buffing and polishing ?
Thanks,
WSP964
09-24-2002 | 07:21 PM
#4
Super Guru
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,819
Likes: 3
From: California
WSJ
Out of curiosity, you bought Porsche original mirrors right ? Can you buy the mirrors pre-painted in any Porsche color available ? What did you paid for them ?
I originally bought some replicas but was not happy with them and returned them. I then lucked out and found a second hand assembled pair from a 993 in the color of my car on eBay ($295+ $7 shipping). If I hadn't found those I was going to buy a new pair from Michael Shaw (of MAShaw - a sponsor of Rennlist, so I think I can mention them). It just was so much easier not having to go to a paint shop and pay the extra and then have to assemble them!
Second question, do the replicas come with 12 wires or am I wrong ? What about their wiring up ?
Sorry no idea. Perhaps someone else can help. I do know that the replicas I originally bought had no wiring at all (or instructions) I think the deal is with them that you re-use the parts from your flag mirrors but I gave up and returned them.
Third is it true that you can see the mark on the body where the flags were, even with buffing and polishing ?
Yep, mind you I really haven't put much elbow grease yet into this and I'll happily live with such marks in that area for the looks of the aero mirrors but, hey, that is a personal choice and everyone needs to decide what works for them.
Gotta Hop
Out of curiosity, you bought Porsche original mirrors right ? Can you buy the mirrors pre-painted in any Porsche color available ? What did you paid for them ?
I originally bought some replicas but was not happy with them and returned them. I then lucked out and found a second hand assembled pair from a 993 in the color of my car on eBay ($295+ $7 shipping). If I hadn't found those I was going to buy a new pair from Michael Shaw (of MAShaw - a sponsor of Rennlist, so I think I can mention them). It just was so much easier not having to go to a paint shop and pay the extra and then have to assemble them!
Second question, do the replicas come with 12 wires or am I wrong ? What about their wiring up ?
Sorry no idea. Perhaps someone else can help. I do know that the replicas I originally bought had no wiring at all (or instructions) I think the deal is with them that you re-use the parts from your flag mirrors but I gave up and returned them.
Third is it true that you can see the mark on the body where the flags were, even with buffing and polishing ?
Yep, mind you I really haven't put much elbow grease yet into this and I'll happily live with such marks in that area for the looks of the aero mirrors but, hey, that is a personal choice and everyone needs to decide what works for them.
Gotta Hop
09-24-2002 | 09:36 PM
#5
Super Guru
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,819
Likes: 3
From: California
OK I need to write 100 times "click the edit button to edit; not the reply button otherwise you need to delete the whole reply leaving your name next to a blank space and everyone will know that you are a doofus"
09-25-2002 | 01:51 AM
#6
Race Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,706
Likes: 9
From: Virginia Beach, Va.
Ruairidh, good job...and thanks for the credit. Don't think I was alone on this one when I "tackled" the job. 
I guess this is my chance to credit Tom Sharpes (former 964 owner) who sold me my original mirrors as he had a GP White 964 as well. He supplied a nice schematic and some advice.
To answer WSP964's question, yes, you will likely have a mark from where the flag mirrors were installed. If you work on them a bit with some rubbing compound, they won't be very noticeable.
I think mine are fairly noticeable...but no one else seems to say anything about it.
Another thing...they are officially referred to as "Aero Mirrors" by the factory...you goofy guys that call them "Teardrop Mirrors" oughtta...just kidding, it's late and I had to make fun of somebody! <img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" />
I guess this is my chance to credit Tom Sharpes (former 964 owner) who sold me my original mirrors as he had a GP White 964 as well. He supplied a nice schematic and some advice.
To answer WSP964's question, yes, you will likely have a mark from where the flag mirrors were installed. If you work on them a bit with some rubbing compound, they won't be very noticeable.
I think mine are fairly noticeable...but no one else seems to say anything about it.
Another thing...they are officially referred to as "Aero Mirrors" by the factory...you goofy guys that call them "Teardrop Mirrors" oughtta...just kidding, it's late and I had to make fun of somebody! <img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" />
Trending Topics
09-25-2002 | 07:27 AM
#10
Thread Starter
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 3
From: West Sussex, UK
Could be...
I've been thinking more about this. I'm not wild about crimp connectors and wonder if it would be possible to disassemble the mirror and feed the original wires right to the motors (as it is with the flag mirrors). Any thoughts?
I've been thinking more about this. I'm not wild about crimp connectors and wonder if it would be possible to disassemble the mirror and feed the original wires right to the motors (as it is with the flag mirrors). Any thoughts?
09-25-2002 | 02:15 PM
#11
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: London,United Kingdom
The thought of what happened when i went to replace my flag mirrors to teardrops still brings tears to my eyes!
I to bought a replica set first, i even got them sprayed. However when it came to fitment i realised DRILLING was required!! Being brave i followed the instructions and drilled a hole only to find the fitment was not very good.
So i went back to the shop and kicked up a fuss.....they refunded me although i was still out of pocket due to paying for the painting of them. I then went to porsche and bought an original pair...and yes had them sprayed.Fitment was all easy as wiring diagrams were included in the pack, but there is a spring in the middle of the mirrors that is Virtually impossible to compress..so back to the opc to get them to do it for me(which they did thankfully). then found the marks around the old flag mirrors were visable dispite lots of rubbing so car went to the body shop for a bit of respraying around the doors..
These mirrors cost me more than anything else i have had to have done to the car!
I to bought a replica set first, i even got them sprayed. However when it came to fitment i realised DRILLING was required!! Being brave i followed the instructions and drilled a hole only to find the fitment was not very good.
So i went back to the shop and kicked up a fuss.....they refunded me although i was still out of pocket due to paying for the painting of them. I then went to porsche and bought an original pair...and yes had them sprayed.Fitment was all easy as wiring diagrams were included in the pack, but there is a spring in the middle of the mirrors that is Virtually impossible to compress..so back to the opc to get them to do it for me(which they did thankfully). then found the marks around the old flag mirrors were visable dispite lots of rubbing so car went to the body shop for a bit of respraying around the doors..
These mirrors cost me more than anything else i have had to have done to the car!
09-26-2002 | 04:36 AM
#12
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: England
[quote]Originally posted by Phil Raby:
<strong>Could be...
I've been thinking more about this. I'm not wild about crimp connectors and wonder if it would be possible to disassemble the mirror and feed the original wires right to the motors (as it is with the flag mirrors). Any thoughts?</strong><hr></blockquote>
In the picture the aero mirror has a plug in the bottom of it. Why not see if you can get the socket that goes with it? I will have a look on PET and see if I can find a part number for it. Failing that pop along to your local Bosch automotive dealer and see if they can match it up.
<strong>Could be...
I've been thinking more about this. I'm not wild about crimp connectors and wonder if it would be possible to disassemble the mirror and feed the original wires right to the motors (as it is with the flag mirrors). Any thoughts?</strong><hr></blockquote>
In the picture the aero mirror has a plug in the bottom of it. Why not see if you can get the socket that goes with it? I will have a look on PET and see if I can find a part number for it. Failing that pop along to your local Bosch automotive dealer and see if they can match it up.
09-26-2002 | 09:25 AM
#13
Super Guru
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,819
Likes: 3
From: California
[quote]Originally posted by Phil Raby:
<strong>Could be...
I've been thinking more about this. I'm not wild about crimp connectors and wonder if it would be possible to disassemble the mirror and feed the original wires right to the motors (as it is with the flag mirrors). Any thoughts?</strong><hr></blockquote>
Two thoughts
1. Steve is correct; there is a socket listed in PET - I looked under the '94 993 (I think). I do not have Phil's objections to crimping these kinds of wires so I thought the hassle of buying the socket and then figuring out which wire went were and dealing with the 5 into 6 issue was just toooooooooo difficult (but, again, I'm no sparky when it comes to this kind of thing).
2. One other thought - if you want to disassemble your aero mirrors: maybe you can reuse the internals of your flag mirrors - that way you do not have to address the 5 into 6 issue at all?? The replica mirrors I bought (and then returned) came with no internals and I guess (there were no instructions) this is what you'd have to do.....
Good Luck
<strong>Could be...
I've been thinking more about this. I'm not wild about crimp connectors and wonder if it would be possible to disassemble the mirror and feed the original wires right to the motors (as it is with the flag mirrors). Any thoughts?</strong><hr></blockquote>
Two thoughts
1. Steve is correct; there is a socket listed in PET - I looked under the '94 993 (I think). I do not have Phil's objections to crimping these kinds of wires so I thought the hassle of buying the socket and then figuring out which wire went were and dealing with the 5 into 6 issue was just toooooooooo difficult (but, again, I'm no sparky when it comes to this kind of thing).
2. One other thought - if you want to disassemble your aero mirrors: maybe you can reuse the internals of your flag mirrors - that way you do not have to address the 5 into 6 issue at all?? The replica mirrors I bought (and then returned) came with no internals and I guess (there were no instructions) this is what you'd have to do.....
Good Luck
09-26-2002 | 05:10 PM
#15
Thread Starter
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 3
From: West Sussex, UK
Any thoughts on what the sixth wire is for?
When I get a moment (that'll be the day!) I'm going to take the new mirror apart and see if I can run the existing wires straight through - I can see no reason for a plug connection.
Thanks for all the feedback. I'll let you know the outcome of my investigation.
Cheers
Phil
When I get a moment (that'll be the day!) I'm going to take the new mirror apart and see if I can run the existing wires straight through - I can see no reason for a plug connection.
Thanks for all the feedback. I'll let you know the outcome of my investigation.
Cheers
Phil